Most players say that being part of a British & Irish Lions squad is the highlight of their playing career so what it must feel like to be part of a tour winning squad is above us. Welsh hooker Richard Hibbard can now say that he knows what both feel like after the past few months and his adventure down under. He played a part in all three test matches against Australia and started the decisive test in Sydney.

Recently we had the opportunity to interview Hibbard about the tour and what he is getting up to in the wake of it. We also spoke to him about his new boots, the X Blades Legend Speed Rugby Boots. This is what he had to say:

Firstly congratulations on being part of the winning British & Irish Lions squad on the recent tour of Australia. How did you find the tour?

I found the tour absolutely amazing! Not only the rugby but meeting players from other countries and bonding together like we did was special. And the fans support out there was out of this world, don’t think Oz has had so much red lining their streets ever. And again the rugby was again a truly special being part of such a prestigious team and doing as well as we did I cannot put in to words.

Was the deciding 3rd test the biggest match of your career to date?

Yes by far. There have been some big games along the way; first start for Ospreys, finals for Ospreys, the 6 Nations championship decider this year but they do not come close to how big and special this game was.

What are your highlights from the tour?

The whole occasion. Starting the first game in Hong Kong and then topping it off by starting the final deciding test.

Who were the jokers of the tour?

The two big ones were Ian Evans and Sean O’Brian, very funny men. And they were the announcers on the mic’s on the bus. Kept us very entertained.

Who was the best trainer/trainers on the tour?

I think on a tour like this it had to be the whole squad. To keep your body injury free playing so many games in such a short space of time, to get you on the training park it was a bonus. But special mention goes to Paul O’Connell who is tedious in his line-out detail.

Talk us through the collision with George Smith. Do you remember any of it?

Yeah, remember it all. Didn’t realise how big it was until I came home and watched it -think my lovely hair cushioned the blow.

How are you spending your well earned rest this summer?

I’ve been down to the south of France with the wife and my two girls for a bit of R+R then I’m sneaking over to a festival in Germany for a weekend to.

How long have you got off before you start pre-season with Ospreys?

Not to long. I’m back in on the 5th of august but I’m excited about the forthcoming season as there are some really talented youngsters in the squad.

Let’s talk about your boots. How long have you been wearing X Blades for?